Oxford Reading Tree remains the nation's favourite reading scheme and countless children have learnt to read with Biff, Chip, and Kipper. We are delighted to unveil its fresh new look for today's children, teachers and parents, with lively new covers and fresh artwork. Engaging new artwork and covers Alex Brychta's unique style of artwork enthrals and entertains children,Oxford Reading Tree remains the nation's favourite reading scheme and countless children have learnt to read with Biff, Chip, and Kipper. We are delighted to unveil its fresh new look for today's children, teachers and parents, with lively new covers and fresh artwork. Engaging new artwork and covers Alex Brychta's unique style of artwork enthrals and entertains children, and the fresh new look will heighten their pleasure in reading the stories. With freshly drawn artwork for all the favourite core stories at Stages 2 - 5 and fantastic new covers, Oxford Reading Tree is more appealing than ever! Stories children love The Oxford Reading Tree stories have always captivated children's imagination, inspiring them to read - and the stories and characters in the new editions haven't changed at all. Apart, that is, from an exciting new story at Stage 3, The Egg Hunt, which replaces the Dolphin Pool. Simplified structure We have also simplified the structure of the scheme in response to feedback from you: Owls Storybooks become Stages 6 and 7 Storybooks; magpies become Stages 8 and 9 Storybooks; wrens at Stage 2 have become patterned stories at Stage 1+; and wrens at Stage 3 are now patterned stories at Stage 2. New teaching support material In addition to the existing guided reading cards, perfect for use in guided reading sessions, we have brought out new teaching materials to reflect the needs of teachers in today's classroom: DT Flexible, friendly teacher's notes included FREE with each pack of Oxford Reading Tree books - these are easy to store and will save you hours of preparation! DT New Take-Home cards for every Storybook from Stages 1 - 9 to help parents or carers get the most out of reading with their child DT Free resources website at www.oup.com/uk/primary with downloadable photocopy masters DT New Teacher's Handbook and special edition for Scotland...more

Paperback, 24 pages

Published
September 11th 2003
by Oxford University Press
(first published January 1st 1986)

Community Reviews

The Magic Key is one of the books in the series 'The Magic Key'. It is a book that follows three children - Biff, Chip and Kipper; and their parents, grandmother and dog. Whilst I was growing up this story taught me to use my imagination in creating my own short stories. The fact that these stories are not real showed me how broad my creativity could really be.

As someone who has always enjoyed reading, I would have preferred if the stories were longer. But I do understand now that this may be aThe Magic Key is one of the books in the series 'The Magic Key'. It is a book that follows three children - Biff, Chip and Kipper; and their parents, grandmother and dog. Whilst I was growing up this story taught me to use my imagination in creating my own short stories. The fact that these stories are not real showed me how broad my creativity could really be.

As someone who has always enjoyed reading, I would have preferred if the stories were longer. But I do understand now that this may be a reason for most children's love of these stories; their ability to be interested and move on to another short story.

Most reviews have recommended these stories for ages 4 to 9; but I feel that it is not challenging enough for KS2 learners and would be better suited to develop the reading of KS1 children only.

I believe that these books are being used in the right way in most schools. They have been written in a way that engages a child and encourages them to develop their reading skills. ...more

Roderick Hunt is famously known for his storybooks of Biff and Chip. His books follow the lives of three children Biff, Chip and kipper as they experience many adventures caused by the magic key. There are many stages to the sequence of books, with the starting age from four to nine. These books are used to develop the understanding and reading of standard English. The illustrations in the books also hold great importance as from a reader’s perspective you get to use your imagination and feel asRoderick Hunt is famously known for his storybooks of Biff and Chip. His books follow the lives of three children Biff, Chip and kipper as they experience many adventures caused by the magic key. There are many stages to the sequence of books, with the starting age from four to nine. These books are used to develop the understanding and reading of standard English. The illustrations in the books also hold great importance as from a reader’s perspective you get to use your imagination and feel as if you’re a part of the adventure which almost makes you believe that the magic key can actually exist in reality. ...more

I read The Magic Key books in primary school from years 1-3 and these are the most memorable books of my time! I absolutely loved these when I was kid and I really want to get my hands on my own copy for nostalgia's sake.

We had a reading system in our school where you had to complete all the stages of The Magic Key until you could read books of your choice - and I distinctly remember becoming one of the first "free-readers" of my year! :DI doubt they still use these books which is a shame reallI read The Magic Key books in primary school from years 1-3 and these are the most memorable books of my time! I absolutely loved these when I was kid and I really want to get my hands on my own copy for nostalgia's sake.

We had a reading system in our school where you had to complete all the stages of The Magic Key until you could read books of your choice - and I distinctly remember becoming one of the first "free-readers" of my year! :DI doubt they still use these books which is a shame really - they were so entertaining.

Biff, Chip and Kipper books are by far the most memorable books from my primary school and i have to say my all time favourite has got to be the magic key! It constitutes an adventure which really lets you use your imagination and it is great for children to use as a model for their own short stories as the adventure is imagined rather than real. Exciting and motivational book great for children learning to read.